Super Cars: Which One is Best?

There is nothing more exhilarating than getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and feeling the power beneath the hood. With many makes and models of vehicles across the world, some are simply a notch above the rest. These are the "super cars," and are reserved for the rich and famous. There are plenty of super cars around the world, each having its own special features.

Bugatti Veyron Supersport

Considered the greatest sports car in the world, the Bugatti is sought after by those with money to burn and the desire to burn rubber. The Super Sport version of the Veyron is the fastest street-legal production car in the world.  Introduced in 2005, it goes 0-60 in two seconds, and reaches a top speed of just over 267 mph.

Aston Martin One 77

Known as the "Bond car," it’s only fitting this supercar was used by the world’s most renowned superspy. Priced at only 1.5 million dollars, it’s known as a car where today’s technology meets up with style and elegance to create a car any man would want to be seen with and has won several internationally renowned design awards including the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes, the GOOD DESIGN award by The Chicago Athenauem: Museum of Architecture and Design in North America and the "Best Design" award by the UK motoring magazine Auto Express. However, since only 77 of these were made last year, a potential owner may have to search far and wide to find this super car.

Lamborghini Aventador

When it comes to super cars, nothing says rich and famous quite like owning a Lamborghini. With a new V12 engine replacing the decade-old V10, there’s no question it’s got lots of power underneath the hood as it is also considered “the best Lamborghini ever” by Car and Driver. The most powerful Lamborghini ever to come off the production line, it’s a car that is known for pushing the boundaries and taking advantage of the latest technology.

SSC Ultimate Aero XT

Looking like a car that came from the future for a visit, this vehicle is a must-have among those who want a well-built car that can hold its own against all challengers. One of the fastest cars in the world, it can reach top speeds of 273 miles per hour, enough to satisfy any owner who has the need for speed. Of interesting note it took the Guiness World Record for fastest stock land vehicle from the Bugatti Veyron SS for only 1 week before Guiness decided to change its mind back and re-award the record to the Veyron.

Buying one of these cars is not only a sign one has arrived, but also that its owner is here to stay. With their owners including rock stars, pro athletes and actors it’s a sure thing that these vehicles are meant to be driven by those who want to see and be seen. With price tags in the millions, those of us who aren’t quite as famous can dare to dream.

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How To Know When The Right Time Is To Replace Your Windshield

A loud sound permeates your car’s interior and startles you as you drive down the road. This startling sound is typically an object striking the windshield. Depending on the object’s size and trajectory, you may have an instant chip or crack across your windshield. Before you resort to replacing the entire windshield, take a look at the crack to determine if it can be repaired instead.

Chip Repair Options

Take a look at your chip, or gouge, in the glass. If it is about the size of a quarter or less, it is possible to repair it. Use a windshield repair kit to save hundreds of dollars on replacement glass. These helpful kits use specialized resins to fill the chip and maintain a strong glass surface. It is critical to repair the chip as soon as possible, however. Allowing the chip to remain untouched may cause it to grow larger. Any chips outside of quarter size indicates time for a windshield replacement.

Determining Crack Damage

Use products from www.triglassinc.com to repair 3-inch-long cracks, or smaller, for an almost brand-new glass appearance. Resins quickly fill in the crack and prevent it from spreading. Order your repair kit quickly for these cracks, especially if they are along the windshield’s edge. There is a lot of glass tension at the edges because of the connection point to the vehicle itself. Neglected cracks at the edges spread rapidly, requiring an entire windshield replacement.

Driver’s Clear View

If you have a small crack or chip along the driver’s line of sight, most professional repair companies will not advise filling the damage. Although resin is strong and creates a neat appearance when cured, it does form a slight warping at the damage site. If you must focus on cars through the filled site, an accident could occur. In these case, you will want to replace the windshield. If you try to repair the damage yourself without a professional’s help, you may cause your own accident in the future.

Ticketing Damaged Windshields

Some states actively issue tickets for damaged windshields. Do not allow your cracks and chips to grow in size. Repair or replace the windshield as needed. Police want everyone on the road to be safe and a damaged windshield increases your chances of an accident, especially at night. Lights flicker and distort through cracks, impeding your depth perception.

Take a good look at your windshield. Use a quarter and ruler to determine damage sizes for the best evaluation. If you are unsure about the damage, ask a professional’s opinion or replace the windshield.

The Family Vehicle: Should You Buy a Crossover or a Minivan?

The debate over whether a family is better served by a crossover or a minivan is one that is hotly contested in many circles, which  makes it extremely confusing for those people that are looking for a great family vehicle. Many people arguing for the minivan will simply cite that the minivan is larger and therefore better, resting their case at that. However, taking a closer look at what different types of models of specific minivans and crossovers can offer to families allows you to decide for yourself. Understanding some of the advantages and disadvantages of both will allow the debate to be settled in your own mind.

The Debate

The minivan and the crossover are on equal footing in most cases when it comes to seating up to eight passengers, offering three rows of seating, and performing pretty well in the mileage department. These are the traditional needs of the average family. The crossover has attempted to meet these needs while also offering versatility and style as well. The reality is that crossover vehicles are closer in platform to vans than they are any type of truck or car. Although, when it really comes to shopping for your individual family, it usually comes down to some essentials. Outside of the obvious factors such as gas mileage, seating, and cargo space, there are entertainment options, cup holders, and other valuable features that can heavily weigh in.

The Contenders

The Honda Odyssey LX is a vastly popular minivan that achieves 23 miles to the gallon on the highway. It is on equal footing with the Honda Pilot LX, a cross over that has the same fuel efficiency. The Pilot is all-wheel drive and offers just slightly more leg room in the front. However, the Odyssey comes out on top when it comes to cargo space and cup holders. For roughly $1,000 less, the minivan has 13 cup holders and 147 cubic feet of storage space. The Toyota Sienna SE, another popular minivan, comes in at nearly $4,000 less than the popular crossover and similar vehicle, the Mazda CX-9 sport. The minivan also gives customers more seating and more leg room in nearly every area. It also features 10 cup holders as well. Still, the CX-9 offers all-wheel drive and a more stylish look with more nimble handling.

Entertainment and Choice

In the entertainment department, nearly all new models of both kinds of vehicles offer the option of DVD entertainment and television screens that utilize separate inputs. The audio systems can be outfitted for ideal sound, making this dimension one that falls under the discretion of the buyer when they consider optional features. In light of these facts, the minivan does seem to come out on top if you are looking for raw storage space at a lower price. Versatility, style, and handling seem to go to the crossover, although, they do not edge out the minivan in gas mileage as many would assume. The most important thing for buyers to do when they visit local Mazda dealers in Kansas City is to consider their own needs and weigh them against the strengths and weaknesses of each type of vehicle.

Thus, if you need a large amount of space, and don’t really care about style, a minivan will more than likely fit your style and needs. On the other hand, if style is a big factor, and you still want your vehicle to be able to go off-road and perform in poor conditions, a crossover will probably fit better with your needs, though you will need to pay more for these great benefits.

Suggested Reading: The Practical Guide to Van Ownership

Five Tips For Saving Money On Automobile Repair Costs

Every car or truck will require repairs at some point, and some can become very expensive over time. Many drivers decide to start performing do-it-yourself repairs to lower costs, which can quickly become even more costly than going to a professional. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid spending too much on your automobile. These five tips will help drivers to save money on automobile repair costs:

Look For Used or Aftermarket Parts

A good way to save money is to buy parts personally rather than relying on parts from a professional mechanic. It is often possible to find refurbished or used parts that are perfectly functional at a fraction of the cost of new components. Similarly, choosing aftermarket parts saves money over buying parts from the manufacturer of the car or truck.

Maintain a Good Relationship with a Mechanic

Another way to save money on repairs is to maintain a good relationship with a mechanic. A friendly auto mechanic can provide advice and expertise about different repairs. Mechanics might also be willing to lend out tools that make performing do-it-yourself repairs much easier. This can help to lower repair costs on small jobs.

Call Professionals When In Doubt

Some car and truck repairs should only be handled by professionals. Attempting to repair a vehicle without the right tools, parts or knowledge can result in problems that become exponentially more expensive to fix. Bad do-it-yourself repairs can make a vehicle unsafe or cause irreparable damage, warns a professional who specializes in truck repair Austin TX. Calling a professional is less expensive than paying for a mechanic after an incorrect do-it-yourself repair.

Always Compare

Some drivers use regular stores or mechanics for car and truck repairs. Comparison shopping can save money when repairs are necessary. Comparing estimates from two or three different mechanics allows drivers to find the best deals. It is possible to save money on do-it-yourself repairs by comparing the price of parts online or between different retailers.

Regular Maintenance

It is cheaper to align the tires on a car than it is to replace the transmission. Regular maintenance will save money on repairs. Ignoring small problems or annual maintenance will eventually lead to larger problems that cost far more to repair. The car or truck should be kept in good condition. Any small issues should be addressed immediately.

Lowering repair costs is something that can be done every day. It is important to minimize wear on the car by avoiding hard stops, sharp turns and sudden acceleration. It also helps to keep the car off bad roads. This will reduce the chance of damage that requires expensive repairs. Follow these simple to tips to save you money on the your car or truck repairs.

Five Tips You Need to Know when Shopping For Your First Car

There are many things that everyone values in a first car. Affordability, reliability and a good history all make a first car purchase worthwhile. A mechanically sound car with impressive economy would make an ideal first car. A first car can be attractive and sporty too. There’s no reason it can’t be fun. Use these tips when shopping at car dealerships:

Research the Car on the Internet

It’s expensive to run a car. Research the car’s miles-per-gallon on the Internet. Find a car’s MPG by entering the make and model into a Google search and check the average figure, and then the city and highway figure. A full-size car may appear to be a gas-guzzler, but the statistics may say something different. While you’re there, get an idea of the book value of the car you’re interested in.

Bring a Checklist Along When Shopping

When you visit car dealerships in Durham NC, look for cars you would enjoy owning. By test-driving it, you’ll discover whether the car you’re looking at is really a good fit. Bring along a checklist of car body and engine parts with a generic diagram you can mark to identify problems like dents in the body panels and cracks in the windshield. These checklists are available from Chilton Books and other sources.

Check the VIN Number

You never know when you’re purchasing a salvaged vehicle or a flood-damaged car. Check the VIN number at websites online. The VIN number is on the passenger’s side windshield. There are seventeen characters visible through the windshield. A VIN number can also tell you how many wrecks a car has been in, what the actual mileage is and the number of previous owners.

Get a Mechanic to Inspect It

Determine if the car is reliable. Will it start every morning without fail? If you or a member of your family knows a mechanic, show the car to your mechanic and ask for an inspection. In conversation, convey to the mechanic the price the seller is asking. Mechanics are experts in automobiles and can offer invaluable advice.

Calculate the Cost of Ownership

The cost of ownership includes depreciation, cost of insurance and the cost of financing a car. Running and maintaining the vehicle also costs money. Total these factors up and have it in hand before you buy a car.

On the other hand, calculate in fun things like sporty looks and nimble handling. By following these tips, you can get started in the search for your first car. Reduce the time and energy spent in a car search with knowledge you gained beforehand. You will be that much closer to buying your first car.